This week in the wide receiver starts and sits column, we break down some of the notable matchups in the slot and out wide for wide receivers in Week 8! However, before we do, I have to apologize for the worst article in history last week. The Seahawks game ended up being a disaster! Marquise Brown got nothing going for the Cardinals and for the Seahawks. It was the JSN and Bobo show. The Michael Pittman call ended up backfiring, but he only caught two passes, and the one he scored a 75-yard TD on was kind of fluky! It seems I was destined for failure in Week 7, so let’s bounce back in Week 8.
We will address additional slot vs. wide matchups in more detail on the slot vs. wide matchup show this Friday at 5:00 p.m. PST on the Razzball Fantasy YouTube channel, but for now, let’s dive into the top matchups for Week 8
To see the full slot vs. wide PPG-allowed data, click here!
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Notable Out Wide Matchups
Defense: Jacksonville Jaguars
Out Wide PPG Allowed: 3rd
Week 8 START: George Pickens and Diontae Johnson
The George Pickens and Diontae Johnson tandem looked strong in Johnson’s first week back vs. the Rams in Week 7. Both players were able to secure five passes and go over 12 PPR points. This week things should soften up even more as they take on a Jaguars defense that has been getting crushed on the outside. This includes allowing two wide receivers to score at least 12 PPR points in three straight games. This should make both wide receivers a solid start this week.
Defense: Miami Dolphins
Out Wide PPG Allowed: 6th
Week 8 START: Kendrick Bourne
Kendrick Bourne has quietly strung together back-to-back WR1 performances. A lot of this has to do with Bill Belichick letting him out of the dog house as he’s paced the team in routes during this timeframe. This week Bourne should be able to capitalize on his new role as he gets a great matchup vs. the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins have allowed monster receiving lines to opposing #1 WRs in three of the last four games. This includes Stefon Diggs (6-120-3), Adam Thielen (11-115-1) and A.J. Brown (10-137-1)
Defense: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Out Wide PPG Allowed: 30th
Week 8 SIT: Gabe Davis
This marks the third week in a row that we are highlighting a player on Thursday night. Maybe it’s the numbers, or maybe I like having some skin in the game! Either way, the Buccaneers’ secondary is getting healthy, and top outside CBs Carlton Davis and Jamel Dean are playing well. The Buccaneers this season are only 22nd in air yards allowed, which is where Gabe Davis beats you. With no teams on bye this week, Davis is just a WR3/flex.
Notable Slot Matchups
Defense: New Orleans Saints
Slot PPG Allowed: 3rd
Week 8 START: Josh Downs
Josh Downs has been a revelation this season, emerging as the clear #2 wide receiver for the Colts. Over the past four games, Downs has passed up fellow Michael Pittman, leading Indianapolis in every major receiving category, including receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. This week he gets a prime matchup vs. a Saints DST that has allowed notable slot WRs Christian Kirk (6-90-1) and Adam Thielen (7-54-1) to have big performances vs. them this season.
Defense: Seattle Seahawks
Slot PPG Allowed: 1st
Week 8 START: Elijah Moore
It hasn’t been great for the Browns passing game this season with DeShaun Watson being in and out of the lineup. The only silver lining is that this passing game only runs through three players (Moore, Amari Cooper, and David Njoku). Last week, Moore was able to secure 4-59 vs. a very tough Colts slot defense. Now in Week 8, Moore could be in for a big week vs. Seattle, who has allowed the most fantasy points to the slot this season.
Don’t forget to bring all your start/sit questions to our Sunday Live Start/Sit show starting at 8 a.m. PST on the Razzball Fantasy YouTube Channel!
For more from Bobby and his Razzball content, find him on Twitter @bobbylamarco.
Sources: Razzball.com, PFF.com, FantasyPros, FFToday, Pro Football Reference and Football Outsiders
